Your photos 46

Your photos (46)

Take Better Photos

Hints and tips
by Philip Grosset

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with comments from Philip Grosset

"Hi, My name is Jack Haven-I am 65 and retired. Recently I purchased a Sony FD 95 digital camera.
1. Lillies-tried to put the emphasis on the pistol of this beautiful flower.
2. Gull With Tall Ship-the two seemed to go together and liked the way the gull contrasted with the background.
3. The Eye-the young girl had beautiful eyes and the only way I got to shoot her portrait was to show her what you could see within an eye. She got a chance to see the clouds and her photographer which built up her enthusiasm in photography.
4. Girl With Clown-this girl was so excited and animated that I changed the shutter speed and caught her hands showing some of her excitement.
Any help to better my photos will be appreciated. Thanks, Jack." (Jack Haven, Erie, Pa)

A very successful photo. In the full size version, you can even see the moisture on the flowers and leaves.The macro facility on digital cameras can produce really stunning results - but you've still got to point the camera in exactly the right place, as here!

I didn't realise until I read your notes that it was a tall ship in the background! I thought it was just a jumble of odds and ends, so I moved in for a close up (on the right). However, if you want to contrast the gull with the ship, as you say, you really need to get the background more in focus, and perhaps show us a bit more rather than less of it. It might be a good idea to show what the gull is standing on too, so that we are not left wondering.

I'm afraid I find this a bit off-putting, and I couldn't see the reflection of sky and photography quite clearly enough to recognise what it was. It really needs you there to explain it. But then, of course, you took the picture for a special purpose.

This was a very good idea. You've certainly got a very good eye for a photo! Ideally it would have been nice to have seen a little more of the girl's face, and perhaps a little less of the clown's. But I appreciate the difficulty of catching just the right moment. The blurred hands certainly add to the effect.

Reply from Jack Haven: "Thanks for your quick response-I have read and looked at all the comments to each photo on your web site. I have observed the wisdom in each area of your comments. I am sure that the people have benefited from this site as I have---- Thanks again."
Jack Haven, Erie, Pa.

"Please tell me what you think of some of my photos," (Nancy Hamilton)

Sunsets usually come out well, but here I think some bolder and more dramatic silhouttes might have made it even more appealing.

A very successful picture. You've managed to capture a really lively expression - and to ensure that her face isn't hidden behind the bubbles!

A highly dramatic picture of fireworks in which you've also managed to retain some of the lights on the buildings - always a good idea.

I like your photo (on the left), but on the right I've removed some of the empty space above the girl's head, and also got rid of the tree on the left which was a minor distraction as it almost appeared to be growing out of her shoulder. I've also lightened the picture and sharpened it up a little. I think the result, with its out of focus background, is really pleasing.
Altogether a very effective set of photos.

Reply from Nancy Hamilton: "The stories behind the photos I sent are as follows:
Sunset: this was taken in Rosebud, Ark. where after many years of searching I had just discovered my family that I had never known. It was my last day there and I was riding back to the airport. I had the driver pull over to the side of the road. In my mind it was the final sunset in my darkness and tribute to a new beginning. I agree with your suggestion of silhouettes.
Bubbles: This was of my granddaughter's first bubble bath. She was having such a great time I just couldn't resist. I've been kicking my self for it not being more centered. But there was wall in my way and she was right next to it. I didn't want the wall to distract from her pretty face. Thank you for your compliment, I feel much better about the photo now.
Fireworks: This was my very first attempt at night photography. It was taken at the Power Houston Light show on Oct. 23, 1999 in of course Houston,Tx. I had a very poor location from the ground. So I used a ladder to climb up onto a building for a clear view. The photo was taken with a Pentax K1000 fully manual camera and no flash. I sat the camera up on a tripod using adapter cord to hold my shutter open. Then used a black piece of cardboard to cover the lens while moving the camera slightly between explosions in order to try and get more fireworks per shot. As for how long I held the shutter open per shot, well it was more of a feeling than a plan. I took a total of 28 photos. Some were really great and dramatic, some not so great due to the lingering smoke in the sky from the explosions. I have one other out of the 28 that I am really proud of. It looks like flames souring from each individual building top.
Girl in Park: This was my daughter and again one of my early attempts at learning to take better people pictures. She was 11yrs. then. The bubbles picture is her daughter now. I really like what you've done with it. Wish I had yours now instead of mine. All the photos were taken with the same camera and the only camera I've ever owned. The camera is older than my daughter and I've heard it's not even mfg.'d any more. I have trouble finding service centers for it. I've often wondered how much the camera would be worth now. Thank you so very much for your encouraging words. I rarely show anyone my photos for fear of being laughed at."

Thanks so much for the extra info. Photos (like the bubble bath one) can be more interesting if they are not centered, as here. It gives your subject some space to look into. I'm even more impressed by the fireworks photo, after hearing about all the trouble you took to get it!

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